Enabling Nanosat Mobility and Autonomy for Small Bodies Exploration, Year 1

Develop control and planning algorithms for a science-driven spacecraft/rover hybrid, such that the rover is able to autonomously reach designated targets and point instruments traverse performance meets science objectives of 20-30% of traverse distance.

Advances surface mobility autonomy technologies for small bodies to enable more controlled surface operations. Focusing on science-driven requirements enables us to address the more compelling investigations Some component technologies (e.g. instrument placement, spike/terrain modeling, deployment, and system engineering) are relevant to other small body surface missions. Advances state-of-the-knowledge compared to prior work on low-gravity mobility such as that performed for the MINERVA rover on the Hayabusa mission. Allows for controlled, planned motion as opposed to random/chaotic motion.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.